My 11 y/o wants a Mac..??

[Macsavvytech]

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The only problem with getting a cheap one is the kid may be scared for life not knowing what a Mac is like, they might end up thinking macs are bad! ;(

 

[Apple 26.2]

My parents would've laughed in my face if I asked for a Mac when I was 11...Put your damn foot down.

I worked my tail off to earn a ColecoVision back in the day - when I was 13! Sad that most of today's kids don't know how to earn anything... worse yet that parents won't teach 'em any better.

 

[superericla]

Just a regular white macbook would do her well. I got a 1st generation macbook when I was 13 and it's still running great to this day.

 

[ryannel2003]

I'm 21 and I have a white unibody MacBook and it's a great machine for everything I do. I'm not a heavy user at all and it's mainly used for web browsing, iTunes, Pages, Keynote, and some light iPhoto work. I purchased it a few weeks ago off Apple's refurbished website for $759 and that includes a 1 year warranty and I'm also eligible to upgrade to AppleCare within my 1 year. The particular model I'm talking about is the first polycarbonate unibody model with the 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, and nVidia 9400M. In my opinion, the May 2010 model isn't worth the extra $90 since the processor difference is next to nil. The graphics are a great improvement, but it wasn't worth the extra $$$ for me. These models come and go pretty quickly, so you have to keep a very sharp eye out because they'll be gone for you know it.

 

[Macsavvytech]

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The only problem with getting a cheap one is the kid may be scared for life not knowing what a Mac is like, they might end up thinking macs are bad! ;(

 

[phylumook]

I cannot think of a single situation where a 11 year old child needs a laptop, and the idea of buying a macbook pro is hilarious. Can a child even imagine the differences of a $250 laptop verses a macbook pro? If you buy your child this and you feel like you're supporting their creativity, maybe use some creativity and show them to how write on paper (a skill you should be interested in your child having as parent). And for facebook? what is wrong with you?

 

[tmagman]

I BOUGHT MYSELF my first computer when I was 11.

By the time they're in High school theres gonna be something newer and greater that they're going to 'need' (said with a great amount of sarcasm), I would agree that if you're wanting to get them something, get a ubuntu netbook or an Asus eeBox or something else from newegg (if they really want a mac they have refurbished eMacs there for $140 haha)

 

[AlphaDogg]

I am 15 now. When I was in 6th grade (when I was 12), my teacher required me to bring a laptop in to class to do homework (well, she didn't require me to, but it was either I wrote the assignment[I was and still am a slow writer and a fast typist] and then go home and use the family computer to type it. That meant I had to do it twice.). My brother had a Rev.A MacBook and I loved using it. My mom had a Slowny cool Vaio and I temporarily used that to take to school. My local CompUSA was going out of business and they had everything on clearance. We got my 2.2GHz White MacBook (superdrive model) for $1200 (on sale from $1300) with AppleCare for $200. I was ecstatic! I could finally have a computer to call my own. It was my pride and joy. On April 24, 2010 I got my 13" 2.4GHz MBP. I absolutely LOVE it. Beware; if you buy your 11 year-old a MacBook, he/she will want the newest thing. Well, maybe that's just me.. I follow Apple tech and knew that my MacBook was so outdated.

If your child is responsible and can be trusted not to drop it or mistreat the MacBook, I would recommend getting him/her a 13" MBP. If (s)he can't be trusted to keep it in good condition, then you should just find an old Rev A or B (2006 models) or an iBook for under $500 and buy it for him/her.

 

[Radex]

D: There are just so many factors from the parenting of the child and the child's intentions and/or reasons for wanting or having something.

I have a friend who was able to do the IB program (college level classes (more rigorous than AP imho) within a high school setting) without a computer at home for nearly 3.5 years. The computer he has now is only a Windows 2000 computer. And he still is the top 5% of our class.

Ultimately, what I trying to say is that our society is just becoming more and more materialistic. There is something to be learned from previous generations of fun and life experience. Speaking from experience, bad parenting is blatantly shown by pampering/spoiling the child which my cousins do to my nephew. My nephew complained/wanted a Nintendo 3DS when it came out and he got it : \. He has the iPad as well as the current-gen consoles. (And a few more things.)

If you do buy the Macbook, I hope your child has the discipline and even understanding of why such a thing is needed. (Seriously, it better not be oh to impress other kids of having the coolest thing.) Just because we didn't have these things in our childhood does not mean that the values of self-discipline and understanding are any less than what they are today. It's fun to go outside and make mud castles.

Sheesh, I sound so religiously zealous =_= and even old-fashioned lol.

 

[s.hasan546]

Honestly, I think education is a much better idea than parental controls. Parental controls will just make children want to know what they can't see even more, but education can make them not WANT to.

Exactly. IDK what it is with these parents that run their kids lives like prison inmates. My parents never did any of that. They just taught us the right and wrong things. Its very simple. No parental control out their will fix a lack of parenting.

 

[s.hasan546]

I worked my tail off to earn a ColecoVision back in the day - when I was 13! Sad that most of today's kids don't know how to earn anything... worse yet that parents won't teach 'em any better.

Or maybe they concentrate on other stuff like school and education and not worry about making a $.

 

[s.hasan546]

I cannot think of a single situation where a 11 year old child needs a laptop, and the idea of buying a macbook pro is hilarious.

You seriously either A) don't have kids B) Haven't seen what a middle school curriculum looks like. Because He/She might not need a Macbook, but a laptop is pretty necessary these days. Even for middle schoolers. A Family computer sounds nice but i don't want to clutter another area of my house with a desk + monitor + desktop; etc. We have one family computer already and that is used for my decoding, work database; etc. And what happens when multiple people want to use it?

You old guys don't understand the needs of today's mainstream society. Back when i was in HS, laptops were brought in to do various school work, and we start learning back in middle school how to use computers;etc.

Like it or not our society runs around technology. The quicker and better a kid can learn the basics like Microsoft office the better. Its pathetic to the amount of employees i interview who are not proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. I will say this, i have interviewed more 20 year old who are competent in Office, than 35+ yr. olds. The older generation needs to understand times are changing. Either catch up or get lost.

**** if she doesn't need a macbook pro, neither do most macbook purchasers. Does the average consumer who uses Microsoft office and a web browser really need the newest sandy bridge processors or 8 gb of ram? Nope.

And hey if you really want to talk about necessities, a lot of you guys mentioned just get her a netbook.... Why don't you guys buy a pc thats 1/3 the price of your macbooks? they do the same thing if not more than your macbook. Maybe he wants a macbook for his daughter b.c its a better/easier OS, sold built laptop that can take a good amount of abuse, and age pretty damn well for any computer.

Anyways OP, Go look for some used 2008 C2D Aluminum Unibodies. C2D, 4gb ram, backlit keyboards. Compared to the new macbook pro 13", the only noticeable difference is the built-in batter, which she might not care about anyways. It should be cheap too.

 

[alust2013]

Or maybe they concentrate on other stuff like school and education and not worry about making a $.

It's not like middle/high school is that hard that a kid can't try to earn something. Plus they have all summer to make money. In fact, I worked several summers doing landscaping/lawn care and made a good deal of money without it in any way impacting my studies. Not to mention I did about 12-20 hours of extracurriculars after school per week, depending on the season.

I am all for the work for it approach, or give it as a graduation gift. I got my computer as a graduation gift for working hard in school and excelling in it.

You seriously either A) don't have kids B) Haven't seen what a middle school curriculum looks like. Because He/She might not need a Macbook, but a laptop is pretty necessary these days. Even for middle schoolers. A Family computer sounds nice but i don't want to clutter another area of my house with a desk + monitor + desktop; etc. We have one family computer already and that is used for my decoding, work database; etc. And what happens when multiple people want to use it?

You old guys don't understand the needs of today's mainstream society. Back when i was in HS, laptops were brought in to do various school work, and we start learning back in middle school how to use computers;etc.

Like it or not our society runs around technology. The quicker and better a kid can learn the basics like Microsoft office the better. Its pathetic to the amount of employees i interview who are not proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. I will say this, i have interviewed more 20 year old who are competent in Office, than 35+ yr. olds. The older generation needs to understand times are changing. Either catch up or get lost.

No, I don't have kids, but I do agree with the other poster. I'm in my second year of college, and I could still manage without my own computer if I had to. There is no need for a child to have his or her own laptop in middle or most high schools, with a select few college prep and private schools as the exception. I have seen the middle/high school curriculum. Yes, it is best if the child has access to a computer with Office on it, however it is certainly not necessary for them to have their own computer. Having two computers in a household is a good idea for when multiple people need to use a computer, or having a desktop and laptop combo for use around the house, but there is no need for a kid to have their own laptop, especially at 11.

 

[s.hasan546]

It's not like middle/high school is that hard that a kid can't try to earn something. Plus they have all summer to make money. In fact, I worked several summers doing landscaping/lawn care and made a good deal of money without it in any way impacting my studies. Not to mention I did about 12-20 hours of extracurriculars after school per week, depending on the season.

I am all for the work for it approach, or give it as a graduation gift. I got my computer as a graduation gift for working hard in school and excelling in it.

Good for you? i worked a good amount in HS and bought most of my own stuff. My sister took the opposite approach and got a lot of stuff bought for her. We both did well in our academics and are successful now. Whats your point? Buying your daughter something she needs isn't gonna make her into a bad person; etc.

Ever think that those summers, especially at a young age of 11, is to relax? to play with friends? Socialize? Etc? they have their whole lives to work. My younger nephews are around that age right now. They don't need to worry about work and that bs. Work will always be there. Their childhood on the other hand will not. All they have to worry about is their education.

 

[X2468]

Just say yes

 

[omar4578]

you must be the best dad in the world,

i didnt get my first laptop until i was 16 and i bought it with my own money, cost me 300 it was a brand new gateway with like 512mb ram and windows vista, it was horrible, and it had 350gb hd...lol but for having my own laptop it was perfect! i mean what could a kid use it for? school/ youtube/ emails? any computer can do that and darn well,

i bought a mac recently cause i wanted PERFORMANCE when i use programs like photoshop. but thats just my 2Cnts...

if you want to spoil your kid get her a mac, but i would do what the majority of the crowd is saying, get a used mac and maybe upgrade the parts (it will be as good as a new one but you dont have to worry about a kid pouring juicy juice on the computer)

 

[alust2013]

Good for you? i worked a good amount in HS and bought most of my own stuff. My sister took the opposite approach and got a lot of stuff bought for her. We both did well in our academics and are successful now. Whats your point? Buying your daughter something she needs isn't gonna make her into a bad person; etc.

Ever think that those summers, especially at a young age of 11, is to relax? to play with friends? Socialize? Etc? they have their whole lives to work. My younger nephews are around that age right now. They don't need to worry about work and that bs. Work will always be there. Their childhood on the other hand will not. All they have to worry about is their education.

I had plenty of socialization during the summer, I simply sat around watching TV less, but still certainly enjoyed them. I wasn't suggesting a 40 hour work week, but simply to make a bit of money and buy their own things. Maybe not just yet, as 11 is still young, but in a couple years do some babysitting, etc. with a friend. It certainly gave me a good appreciation for what I bought. I'm not saying to deprive the child, I'm simply taking issue with the stance of the laptop being necessary at this point, as it just isn't.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

EDIT: I'll stay out of it.

But for future reference, anytime you see a "What computer should I buy my kid?" thread you will ALWAYS see it devolve into a debate in parenting.

Seriously, always.

 

[s.hasan546]

No, I don't have kids, but I do agree with the other poster. I'm in my second year of college, and I could still manage without my own computer if I had to. There is no need for a child to have his or her own laptop in middle or most high schools, with a select few college prep and private schools as the exception. I have seen the middle/high school curriculum. Yes, it is best if the child has access to a computer with Office on it, however it is certainly not necessary for them to have their own computer. Having two computers in a household is a good idea for when multiple people need to use a computer, or having a desktop and laptop combo for use around the house, but there is no need for a kid to have their own laptop, especially at 11.

What kind of college to you go to that you don't need your own computer? Sorry but when i was in college it was an absolute necessity. Maybe up your course load? I did work 40 hours while full time college tho, maybe thats why i didn't have time to sit in the computer lab.

Whats the difference in me buying an extra laptop for the house, rather than just giving them the laptop? Its the same thing. Like i said one family computer gets clogged. My laptop isn't getting used, like another poster said i don't like anyone touching my stuff, esp. my macbook.

You may think that a kid doesn't need a laptop but i beg to differ. Your in college still, basically your still a kid, with no real world experience so id say your views are very limited. Kids these days need to stay up to date with this technology. When they go out into the real world their knowledge of tech, will be tested and used often. I can't even begin to count the amount of times i've done things for old bosses during internships in college, that associates couldn't do. And the only way you learn is by using the software and keep using it to keep it fresh.

 

[s.hasan546]

I love how college kids think they know everything (its funny cause I was very similar). Here's a scenario dude, sometime in the future you'll begin making enough money that you'll finally be able to blow it on extra bells'n'whistle stuff that, at your current age, would totally scoff at as 'extraneous fluff'.

Now take that a few years further and you now have kids who you, with good judgement, decide they need the best you can provide (though I'm not talking spending $20k on a sweet 16). That's all the OP is asking, he could care less what a 22 year old knowitall has to say about parenting, cause you're opinion simply doesn't apply.

thank god someone else said it too. Since when do college kids know anything about children? lol. I don't think they understand that rather than dealing with "oh i need the computer now to do this this this", $1000 or w.e the cost of a used macbook is worth my time. To you college kids it might be a lot of $$, but i could care less.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

I can't even begin to count the amount of times i've done things for old bosses during internships in college, that associates couldn't do. And the only way you learn is by using the software and keep using it to keep it fresh.

+1 to that.

I learned how to fix people's computers because my Dad bought the family one.... WHEN I WAS 11!

(yes, it was the "Families" but it really was mine)

 

[alust2013]

I love how college kids think they know everything (its funny cause I was very similar). Here's a scenario dude, sometime in the future you'll begin making enough money that you'll finally be able to blow it on extra bells'n'whistle stuff that, at your current age, would totally scoff at as 'extraneous fluff'.

Now take that a few years further and you now have kids who you, with good judgement, decide they need the best you can provide (though I'm not talking spending $20k on a sweet 16). That's all the OP is asking, he could care less what a 22 year old knowitall has to say about parenting, cause you're opinion simply doesn't apply.

Perhaps my opinion is valid, given that I was recently in high school, and have a brother who is just now a freshman in high school. Given that, I felt at no time during school that my own computer was necessary, and my brother is doing fine without one as well. I'm not trying to say I know how to parent, because I don't yet. I'm just basing this on experience through school. I'm sure if I had asked for a Mac at 11, or even 13-14, my parents would have laughed at me and said buy it yourself. I had access to the household computers, and that was plenty for me.

 

[s.hasan546]

you must be the best dad in the world,

i didnt get my first laptop until i was 16 and i bought it with my own money, cost me 300 it was a brand new gateway with like 512mb ram and windows vista, it was horrible, and it had 350gb hd...lol but for having my own laptop it was perfect! i mean what could a kid use it for? school/ youtube/ emails? any computer can do that and darn well,

i bought a mac recently cause i wanted PERFORMANCE when i use programs like photoshop. but thats just my 2Cnts...

if you want to spoil your kid get her a mac, but i would do what the majority of the crowd is saying, get a used mac and maybe upgrade the parts (it will be as good as a new one but you dont have to worry about a kid pouring juicy juice on the computer)

Do all you college kid want a cookie b.c you worked and bought your own stuff in High school? Thats all you kids keep mentioning. You guys can think its spoiling his kid. But stop pretending like you guys are like freaking royalty b.c your worked and bought yourself something when you were younger. I know plenty of trust fund babies that grew up with everything they had and turned out to be very successful and wonderful people. Its all in the parenting.

and LIKE I SAID BEFORE. The AVERAGE consumer only do web browsing, videos, youtube; etc. Almost NONE of them need a quad core processor, 240 gb ssd, and 8 gb of ram. If people followed your logic, Apple shouldn't even upgrade their hardware.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

thank god someone else said it too. Since when do college kids know anything about children? lol. I don't think they understand that rather than dealing with "oh i need the computer now to do this this this", $1000 or w.e the cost of a used macbook is worth my time. To you college kids it might be a lot of $$, but i could care less.

To be honest I don't have kids yet, but I'm 30 years and it isn't too far off. My perspective does come from making real money now. It's ridiculous to think back to what amount of money I could live off of when I was 22. I was stupid poor.

 

[alust2013]

What kind of college to you go to that you don't need your own computer? Sorry but when i was in college it was an absolute necessity. Maybe up your course load? I did work 40 hours while full time college tho, maybe thats why i didn't have time to sit in the computer lab.

Whats the difference in me buying an extra laptop for the house, rather than just giving them the laptop? Its the same thing. Like i said one family computer gets clogged. My laptop isn't getting used, like another poster said i don't like anyone touching my stuff, esp. my macbook.

You may think that a kid doesn't need a laptop but i beg to differ. Your in college still, basically your still a kid, with no real world experience so id say your views are very limited. Kids these days need to stay up to date with this technology. When they go out into the real world their knowledge of tech, will be tested and used often. I can't even begin to count the amount of times i've done things for old bosses during internships in college, that associates couldn't do. And the only way you learn is by using the software and keep using it to keep it fresh.

I was saying I could get around due to the absurd amount of computers provided on campus. I do have plenty of a course load as well, so no worries there. Point is, our opinions differ, and that's that.